Sage plans to lure more overseas club for pre-season matches

The West Australian

Friday, 17 July 2009 2:25PM

Perth Glory owner Tony Sage will proceed with plans to lure overseas clubs to WA for pre-season matches after being heartened by the turnout for his side's 5-0 thrashing by English Premier League club Fulham.

After a disappointing 11,083 fans converged on Members Equity Stadium last Friday to watch Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Glory 1-0, the numbers swelled to 14,903 for Wednesday night's double-header, also featuring new A-League club North Queensland Fury against Wolves.

Sage had been hoping for 16,000 but admitted he was delighted with the turnout - even though thousands of fans left the ground just as Fulham were slipping into top gear.

Heavy rain, and not the quality of the entertainment served up by scintillating Fulham, whose striker Erik Nevland scored a hat-trick in eight second-half minutes, was responsible for the early exit. Andy Johnson and Andranik were also on target.

"From the start of the second half the weather was shocking," Sage said. "I would've left if I was out there in that."

Members Equity Stadium has only a small section of the northern end covered by a roof as well as the members' stand. The majority of patrons are exposed to the winter rain and, significantly, the hot sun in summer.

Sage said Wednesday night highlighted the need for a venue with covered stands and he hoped the State Government would heed the message.

With Western Force due to switch their home games from Subiaco Oval to Members Equity Stadium and National Rugby League to increase its presence in WA, there is more reason than ever to improve the facility.

Wolves, who won 2-1 against Fury whose goal was scored from the penalty spot by former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, will take back to England a message of their own after a successful 11-day visit.

Players and officials have been delighted with their treatment and their positive impressions should make it easier for Glory to convince other clubs to come here.

Glory will approach Liverpool and AC Milan to play in WA next year, although Sage admitted a tour could be complicated during a World Cup year.

Next year's tournament will be held in South Africa from June 11 to July 11 and Sage does not want to bring teams to Perth without their stars, most of whom will be given a break after their World Cup exertions.

On the immediate horizon are Glory's friendly games against North Queensland Fury at Hyundai Stadium in Mandurah tomorrow and a clash with Gold Coast United at Bunbury's Hands Oval tomorrow week.

Glory coach David Mitchell will learn more about his team's A-League potential in those matches than he did against Wolves and Fulham.